MINUTES
WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING
September 28, 2005
The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, September 28, 2005, at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Ralph Whitmore, Commissioners Sam Eyler, Joe Magluilo, Donald Schildt, Chad Weddle, and Debbie Zimmerman, Town Manager Gloria Long Rollins, Public Works Director Bob DePaola, Planning and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver, Public Works Supervisor Dennis Miller, 6 citizens, and 1 press.
The meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Joe Magluilo, to approve both the regular and closed town meeting minutes of September 14, 2005. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
2. ORDINANCE 2005-06 TO AMEND SIGN REGULATIONS
Ordinance 2005 –06 was introduced at the September 14 town meeting. Ms. Rollins presented the written ordinance to verify intended wording.
3. CITIZENS QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS
None
4. BULK TRASH RESULTS
Consensus was that the Town’s bulk trash event was a success, with very few missed items.
Commissioner Joe Magluilo made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Chad Weddle, to hold another bulk trash collection event in the Spring, with the same provisions as the past event. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
Mr. DePaola and Ms. Rollins reviewed the water revenue/expense calculations for the Water Fund. It was determined that operating expenses exceed revenue from water usage, and that rates need to be increased in order to break even. Burgess Whitmore proposed raising rates by 15% for the May 1 billing, and then automatically increase rates by 2% annually each May. Commissioner Magluilo asked for data on the number of customers who receive minimum bills. Commissioners will ponder the proposed rate increase(s) and discuss in future meetings.
6. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Commissioner Don Schildt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to pay the attached bills. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
Commissioner Don Schildt would like commissioners to consider adding "affordable housing" language to sections of the town code, similar to Frederick County.
Commissioner Sam Eyler and Ms. Hauver reported on last night’s Planning Commission meeting. Frederick County Planning Commission/Staff are holding a meeting on the Walkersville Regional Plan next Wednesday, October 5, at 2:00 p.m. The County has received three requests for changes in Comprehensive Plan designation and zoning on properties located within the Walkersville growth area. The three properties include the horse farm located on the north side of MD 26 at the southern end of the growth area, the Hunter Bowers property on the southeast corner of Biggs Ford Road and Fountain Rock Road and the Bradley property at 9403 Dublin Road. Planning Commission member Russell Winch spoke to the commissioners about aggressively expressing the Town’s position on maintaining control of the land use decisions affecting our growth area and current comprehensive plan. Burgess Whitmore, Commissioner Joe Magluilo, and Ms. Hauver will attend the meeting to express the Town’s position.
Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Joe Magluilo, to authorize Walkersville High School to hold their Homecoming Parade on Friday, October 28, 2005, at 4:00 p.m., pursuant to Chapter 69 of the Town Code. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
Commissioner Magluilo noted that the bulk trash had gone well and was much appreciated. He also asked, in light of recent low rainfall level, how the town’s well were faring. Mr. DePaola reported that town wells are functioning in fine form and will bring daily well level reports for commissioners to review at the next meeting.
Burgess Whitmore apprised commissioners of a homeowner at 72 W. Frederick Street (out of town), whose well has gone dry. They are requesting to be connected to town water. Commissioner Don Schildt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to approve sale of a water tap, at the out-of-town rate of $5,750, for the Shoemaker property at 72 W. Frederick Street. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
Commissioner Joe Magluilo made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, to hold a closed meeting for the purpose of discussing the Town’s security and Emergency Response Plan. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1, with Commissioner Chad Weddle opposed.
Burgess Whitmore asked commissioners to review the Legislative Package handout from Frederick County.
Mr. Horace King, of 202 Silverstone Drive, requested that commissioners reconsider their policy to only allow hunting at the watershed from Monday – Thursday each week during hunting season. He stated that his work at the Pentagon prohibits him from getting home before 8pm during the week and he is only available to enjoy the watershed on weekends. Ms. Rollins will contact Mr. Layman, Boy Scout liaison, and try to work out scheduling between the hunters and the Boy Scouts so that some weekend hunting time will be available.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gloria Long Rollins
Town Manager